Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway provides both stunning scenery and close-up looks at the natural and cultural history of the southern Appalachian Mountains. Meandering for 469 miles and connecting Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks, the Parkway provides ample opportunities for stops at overlooks, picnic and camping facilities, trails, and wonderful cultural and natural areas. The park information number at (828) 298 0398 is your best source for up-to-date information on special events or what is blooming along the Parkway.
Linville Falls Mountain Club & Preserve is just 10 minutes off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Mile Post (MP) 316.4. As part of this pristine spot we've chosen as our home, we can't think of a better way to explore the area than by driving along the Parkway and appreciating all it has to offer in our area. Our milepost is one of the most visited spots along the Blue Ridge Parkway for visits to the Linville Falls, Linville Caverns and Linville Gorge, so we have brought together a list of attractions you can take on your journey.
Blue Ridge Parkway Tour, from Asheville to Blowing Rock
MP 382
Asheville
Blue Ridge Parkway Headquarters - The 469-mile parkway intersects Asheville at US 25, 70 and 74, and NC191. Asheville is the "home" of the Parkway with the park headquarters located here at Milepost 382. Asheville is also one of the more scenic cities along the road, and is a favorite destination for visitors who want a taste of town life while on their mountain holiday. Many accommodations, ranging from bed-and-breakfast inns to luxury hotels are available in Asheville, along with the Biltmore Estate. Access to the Mountains-to-the-Sea trail is also available.
Western North Carolina Nature Center - A living museum exhibiting and interpreting the plant and animal wildlife of the southern Appalachian Mountains.
Folk Art Center - The Folk Art Center is the most popular attraction on the Blue Ridge Parkway, welcoming 300,000 visitors each year. The Center showcases the finest in traditional and contemporary craft of the Southern Appalachians. It houses the Guild's century-old Allanstand Craft Shop, exhibitions in three galleries, a library and an auditorium. The Guild's Permanent Collection is featured in an exhibition of craft permanent from Appalachia. From March through December, visitors can observe craftspeople at work in daily craft demonstrations as well as a series of educational events held year round. The Folk Art Center also houses the Eastern National Bookstore and Information Center. Free Admission.
MP 364
Craggy Gardens Visitor Center - June and July are the months to visit this spectacular showplace of Catawba rhododendron and other late-blooming wildflowers. Long after the blooms have been spent on the lower elevations, the violets, blackberry, May-apple, and Turkscap lily come into their own in this high-altitude portion of the Parkway. This heathy bald is only one of many throughout the southern Appalachian Mountains; the name refers to the bald appearance of the mountaintop, which is in reality covered with grasses and mountain shrubbery.
MP 350
Mount Mitchell Overlook - Pull into this overlook for a scenic view of the highest mountain peak east of the Mississippi River.
MP 342.2
Black Mountains Overlook - At elevation 3892, enjoy the view of the Black Mountains, the highest mountain range in the eastern U.S.
MP 334
Little Switzerland Tunnel - The parkway tunnel is 542 feet long, with a minimum height of 14 feet 4 in and maximum height of 19 feet 8 in.
MP 331
Emerald Village - Outdoor gemstone mine and indoor heated flume. NC Mining Museum, underground mine tours, displays of authentic mining equipment, and heritage exhibits. On-site gem cutting, polishing, and jewelry making services.
MP 339.5
Crabtree Falls - This scenic waterfall, located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, is a 60-foot plunge down a wide and even rock face. Waterfall is accessible year round.
MP 331
Roan Mountain - Located on the NC/Tennessee state line, Roan Mountain hugs the town of Bakersville. Offering spectacular views, beautiful rhododendron gardens and great folklore, Roan Mountain is a definite must-see.
MP 328
The Orchard at Altapass - Century old apple orchard located on The Blue Ridge Parkway features heritage apples and products, monarch butterfly garden, free mountain music every weekend, clogging, crafts, fine mountain cooking, fudge and Revolutionary War reenactments as part of the Overmountain Victory Trail.
MP 317
Linville Caverns - These natural limestone caverns feature stalactite and stalagmite formations and an underground stream. Home to blind rainbow trout and eastern pipistrelle bats.
MP 316.3
Linville Falls - Linville Falls is the most popular waterfall in the Blue Ridge Mountains because of its accessibility to the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is a spectacular three-tiered waterfall plunging into Linville Gorge, the "Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians." The Falls Trail distance is 1.6 miles round trip and easy. The Gorge Trail distance is 1.4 miles round trip and strenuous. The Plunge Basin Trail is 1 mile round trip and moderate.
MP 317
Linville Falls Visitor Center - Facilities include a visitors center, restrooms and picnic area. Hiking trail access to wilderness area.
MP 310
Lost Cove Cliffs Overlook - Elevation 3812 is cloaked in mystery. For years people have gathered here at night to witness the mysterious lights on Brown Mountain, which no one can explain.
MP 308
Flat Rock Trail - This 4.4 mile strenuous hiking trail leads to the 4000-foot peak of Flat Top, for a great scenic view of Grandfather Mountain and the valley below.
MP 307-306
Grandfather Mountain - Boasts endless vistas, mile-high wwinging nridge, wildlife habitats, nature museum, picnicking and hiking. Signifies the last link of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Milepost 306.6 at elevation 4154 has a scenic view of Grandfather Mountain in the northern distance.
MP 299.6
View Calloway Peak of Grandfather Mountain - At elevation 3798 has a scenic view of 5,964-foot Calloway Peak, the tallest peak on Grandfather Mountain.
MP 304
Linn Cove Viaduct - In 1983, the "missing link" in the parkway was completed with an engineering marvel - the Linn Cove Viaduct which spans difficult terrain to avoid having to cut into the mountains and destroy the natural beauty of the area. Driving across the viaduct is seeing one of the most beautiful portions of the parkway.
MP 298.8
Cold Prong Pond Overlook - At elevation 3580 is Cold Prong Pond, where a short hiking trail circles the water.
MP 294-291
Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock, North Carolina's oldest travel attraction since 1933, is an immense cliff 4,000 feet above sea level overhanging Johns River Gorge 3,000 feet below. Open all year, weather permitting.
The Blowing Rock Stage Company of the High Country performs June-August at the Blowing Rock Arts Center. Rocket Players Youth Theatre performs two shows each season for young audiences. The Blowing Rock Attraction is open year round, weather permitting. Beautiful scenic walk overlooking John's River Gorge. Observation tower, gardens, small garden waterfall and unique gift shops.
The Manor House - The summer home of textile magnate Moses Cone (also called the Denim King!). The home was one of the first in the mountains to have indoor plumbing. He planted orchards and had two lakes made for his fishing enjoyment including Bass Lake and Trout Lake. Today, the Cone House is home to the Southern Highlands Craft Guild, an organization that only accepts high-quality crafts for sale and display. The carriage house and main house are rumored to be haunted!
Mystery Hill - A self-guided tour of 4 fun-filled areas. The Mystery House offers the challenge of a gravity room where the theories of Sir Isaac Newton is challenged. Stand at a 45-degree angle and perform several experiments. The Hall of Mystery includes over 40 mind-bending puzzles, hands-on experiments and illusions. Bubble-Rama is the perfect ending: put someone in a human sized bubble, play with the bubble wall or blow bubbles from fun-shaped wands. The Appalachian Heritage Museum gives you a look into the past of a prominent mountain family.
MP 289
Yadkin Valley Overlook - This is a small pull off between Thunder Hill and Raven Rock. This pull off offers limited parking space, but there is a wonderful panoramic view of the Yadkin River Valley. |
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Grand Opening Fall 2008
Special pricing and privileges available for early reservations.
Contact us or use the online property map to check availability.
Inquire now! 828-756-GOLF
Directions (only 90 minutes from Charlotte) |
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